Regional

11:18 am

Fri August 1, 2014

New Mexico Schools Awarded Fitness Centers

A national foundation has awarded $100,000 fitness centers to three New Mexico schools under a program to encourage more physical activity by students and fight childhood obesity.

The National Foundation for Governors' Fitness Councils and Gov. Susana Martinez announced the awards Thursday for Jemez Valley Elementary and Middle Schools in Jemez Pueblo, East San Jose Elementary School in Albuquerque and Mesa Elementary School in Shiprock.

No state taxpayer money is going for the fitness centers. The foundation receives funding from private companies, and it will pay for installation of the fitness equipment.

Schools apply to the foundation for the fitness centers, which include cardiovascular and strength training equipment.

The foundation's chairman is fitness guru Jake Steinfeld, who has "Body by Jake" exercise equipment, workout books and instructional videos.

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